👋 40+ Festivals, Fairs & Expos in August, Award-Winning Wings & This Week's Top Events

Before the Chicago Bears stadium debate, Arlington Park was one of the country’s most famous horse racing venues.

Opened in 1927, the track became known for its beautiful grounds, big crowds and major racing moments. Even after a massive 1985 fire destroyed the grandstand, Arlington Park reopened just weeks later for the Arlington Million.

For generations, it was more than a racetrack. It was a summer tradition, a local landmark and a major part of Arlington Heights’ identity. Today, the future of the former racetrack site remains one of the biggest local stories in the Northwest Suburbs.

Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park from July 30 through Aug. 2, bringing four days of music, big crowds and festival energy to downtown Chicago.

This year’s lineup includes The Smashing Pumpkins, Charli XCX, The xx, Lorde, Olivia Dean, Tate McRae, John Summit and JENNIE, with more than 170 artists expected across the festival’s stages. (Link)

Strong storms moved through the Chicago area Monday, bringing heavy rain, flooding, lightning and damage in several communities.

WGN viewers shared photos showing downed trees, flooded roads and lightning strikes across the region, a reminder of how quickly summer storms can turn severe. (Link)

Blackhawks fans are celebrating the return of franchise legend Patrick Kane, who signed a two-year deal to come back to Chicago.

Kane helped lead the team to three Stanley Cups and now returns for another chapter at the United Center, giving fans one of the most exciting Chicago sports reunions in recent memory. (Link)

• Arlington Heights: Illinois approved Endeavor Health’s plan for a $175 million cancer and neuroscience center on the Northwest Community Hospital campus, though village approval is still needed before construction begins. (Link)

• Bartlett: The Bartlett Public Library Board voted to place two questions on the Nov. 3 ballot, asking voters to choose between renovating and expanding the current library or building a new one nearby. (Link)

• Buffalo Grove / Long Grove: A proposed 12,000-square-foot day care near Route 53 and Fremont Way is facing objections over traffic, parking, flooding and access concerns, with a Long Grove Village Board vote expected July 28. (Link)

• Elgin: Evil Intentions Haunted House is set to return to Elgin after the city approved a conditional use permit for its new location at 80 N. State Street, though parking plans sparked debate among council members. (Link)

• Hoffman Estates: Barrington Road Surgery Center is proposing a new single-specialty ophthalmology surgery center at 1585 N. Barrington Road, with an estimated project cost of about $8.9 million. (Link)

• Mount Prospect: The village is hosting a document destruction event Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8 to 11 AM at the Public Works Facility, open to residents of SWANCC member communities. (Link)

• Schaumburg: The last major Motorola office building at Veridian could be converted into apartments under a new concept from UrbanStreet Group, with about 300 homes proposed across the existing atrium building and a new companion building. (Link)

• Skokie: National Night Out returns Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 4 to 7:30 PM at Oakton Park, with free family activities, police demonstrations, music, hot dogs, mini-train rides and more. (Link)

Al’s Hot Dogs (Long Grove) | Long Grove's first 1950s retro-style diner, serving Chicago-style hot dogs, fresh-cut beef tallow fries, and hand-spun shakes at 3970 IL Route 22. (Link)

Bruster's Real Ice Cream (Hoffman Estates) | New ice cream shop offering fresh-made, small-batch ice cream, rotating flavors, sundaes, shakes, and frozen treats. (Link)

CAVA (Schaumburg) | Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant serving customizable bowls, pitas, salads, and fresh ingredients. (Link)

Pediatric Therapy Specialists (Barrington) | Jul 30th | New pediatric therapy center providing specialized care and support services for children and families. (Link)

Northwest Wellness (Arlington Heights) | Jul 30th | New wellness center focused on health, fitness, and personalized wellness services. (Link)

Altitude Trampoline Park (Schaumburg) | Aug 1st–3rd | New trampoline park celebrating its grand opening with family-friendly activities, attractions, and entertainment. (Link)

This week, we’re highlighting a longtime local favorite that has been serving up award-winning wings and neighborhood sports bar vibes for nearly 30 years.

Gators Wing Shack Grill & Pizzeria opened its first location in Wheeling in 1996 before expanding to Palatine in 2001, and it has become a staple for wings, pizza, burgers, ribs, salads, tacos, drinks and plenty more. The restaurant is family-owned and known for its big menu, casual atmosphere and loyal local following.

My wife and I recently stopped in and had a really great time. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful, especially Jamie & Julio, who made us feel welcome right away. We tried the Garlic Buffalo wings, Garlic BBQ boneless wings and the Gators Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which came highly recommended.

Everything was really good, but the buffalo sauce stood out. You can see why their wings have won awards over the years.

Overall, Gators has the kind of fun, laid-back atmosphere that works for a casual dinner, game day meal or night out with friends. The food was quality, the prices felt very fair and the service made the visit even better.

If you haven’t been yet, Gators Wing Shack in Palatine is definitely worth checking out. (Link)

"We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it.”
- Rick Warren

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